Raven Cuningham

Lishuuh (hello)! My name is Raven Cunningham. I am Chugach-Eyak Alaska Native, and I am the daughter of Alicia Long, granddaughter to Herb Jensen, great-granddaughter of the late Dolly Scott, and great-great granddaughter of the late Alice Clock of Peak Island.  

 I am a traditional skin sewer and beadier with a modern aesthetic. I create jewelry, garments, and accessories all from animals that have been harvested from the Copper River Delta and Prince William Sound area. Being raised in my culture has given me countless opportunities to study and learn from Elders and renowned local artists. The land, water, subsistence activities, history, and culture have inspired my work. I believe it connects me to my ancestors, and I aspire to use this art form to revitalize and preserve my Native culture and traditions.  

 I admire the way my ancestors used animals in their everyday lives, utilizing every part from skin to bones. My husband (who is Athabaskan) and I work together to ethically harvest the animals and use as much as we can from the animals we take. In addition to my business, I have earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development. I love the great outdoors and take advantage of every opportunity to participate in subsistence activities like fishing, hunting, berry picking and collecting plants and mushrooms. I often share my passion with others in my community and around the State of Alaska. I have taught many classes on the traditional ways of my people, including skin sewing, dyeing with plants and mushrooms, tanning fish skin, sharing the knowledge of plants for food and medicine and much more. While doing all this I also have a full-time job working hard for my Native community. Along with my job, I sit on the Native Village of Eyak Tribal Council, being the youngest elected official, I also sit on the Chugach Regional Resource Commission Board, United States Forest Service Tribal Leaders Committee, and an advisor to the Native Village of Eyak Tribal Youth Council.

 To gift a unique piece by Raven, call 907-231-3136, email raven.alayna@yahoo.com,

Check out her Instagram here: 
https://www.instagram.com/made.by.raven/